Tropic Sprockets / The Friend

By Ian Brockway

Directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel deliver a breezy but affectionate heartfelt adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s The Friend. The film has all the hallmarks of a canine melodrama but its solid acting, primarily from Naomi Watts delivers on satisfying our spirit. [Showtimes and trailer at Tropiccinema.com]

Iris (Naomi Watts ) is a struggling creatively blocked writer grieving the loss of her existential friend Walter (Bill Murray) who committed suicide. She lives in a rent controlled apartment. One day she meets with Walter’s assistant who asks Iris to take his Great Dane Apollo in accordance with Walter’s wishes.

Iris is at a loss. Her building has a law against dogs in residence and she herself does not have the wherewithal or the stamina to take care of any dog, let alone a huge one like a Great Dane.

Nevertheless, Iris goes through the motions and takes the dog, reasoning that she will find a permanent home for him.

Iris’s life is immediately racked with new tension. Apollo takes over the bed and will not eat, disturbed by the absence of Walter.

The dog is adorable with large rolling eyes and Iris begins to get attached to Apollo’s charm and lack of guile.

Bill Murray is as expected in his nonchalant quirkiness, but his standard role betrays some anemia. His best moment is shown in flashback as he genuinely shows awe and enthusiasm for Apollo.

It is Watts who expresses real feelings and emotive charge for her newfound spotted friend.

The story is boosted by the fact that Apollo is no minimal canine character but an active dramatic participant. Animal lovers will be pleased. This homo sapien / canine friendship story has all the hallmarks of happy tears but the film possesses such pleasurable ease and aims for what is sincerely sweet and meaningful about our four-footed loves.

Write Ian at [email protected]

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